Uterine Fibroid Embolization (UFE)

Uterine fibroid embolization (UFE) is a minimally invasive treatment for fibroid tumors of the uterus and is a possible alternative to hysterectomy. Uterine fibroids are common benign tumors that develop in the muscle wall of the uterus. They range in size from as small as a pea to as large as a grapefruit.

UFE is an outpatient procedure that uses a high-definition X-ray camera to guide a slender catheter into the uterine artery to deliver tiny particles that are then injected to block the flow of blood to the fibroid, causing it to shrink and die. Studies have shown that nearly 90% of women with fibroids experience significant relief of their symptoms with UFE.

UFE, done under local anesthesia, is much less invasive than open surgery to remove fibroids or the whole uterus. In fact, this procedure preserves the uterus, cervix and ovaries. No surgical incision is needed, leaving only a small nick of the skin that doesn’t require stitches. Patients can return quickly to normal activities.